What is a flex plate on a Ford truck?

Flex Plate on a Ford Truck
A flex plate is an important component of a Ford truck’s powertrain system. It is a metal disk that connects the torque converter in an automatic transmission to the rear of the engine’s crankshaft. The flex plate has a ring gear around its circumference, which engages with the starter motor when the vehicle is started.
The flex plate is designed to be thin and lightweight, allowing it to flex and absorb any irregularities in the engine’s power output, as well as minor misalignments between the engine and transmission. It is made from a thin sheet of stamped steel, which provides strength through the manufacturing process and welding of the starter ring gear.
The flex plate’s main function is to transfer the engine’s rotational energy to the torque converter, which then transfers the power to the transmission and ultimately to the wheels of the vehicle. It compensates for minor harmonics, torque converter movement, and even torque converter mounting points to the flex plate itself.
In manual transmission applications, a flywheel is used instead of a flex plate. The flywheel is a thicker piece of steel or aluminum that is attached to the rear of the crankshaft and is used to bolt the clutch pressure plate.
Conclusion
In summary, a flex plate is a thin, lightweight metal disk that connects the torque converter to the engine’s crankshaft in a Ford truck with an automatic transmission. It allows for flexing and absorbs irregularities in the engine’s power output. In manual transmission applications, a flywheel is used instead.

What causes a Flexplate to go bad?

As misalignment increases, the flexplate flexes more. This continual flexing eventually causes the metal to fatigue and the flexplate cracks. Misalignment should be less than . 008 of an inch and the less the better.

What does a flex plate do on a truck?

This is due to fluid pressure inside the converter as well as any front to back movement of the crank. By flexing the torque converter is able to float.

What happens when a Flexplate fails?

A bad flex plate could potentially cause a loss of power to the wheels and result in an accident. Many factors can cause wear to and deterioration of your flex plate. Here are some of the warning signs of a bad flex plate: Clunking, grinding, chirping, or rattling noises from rear of engine when engine is idling.

How much does it cost to replace a Flexplate?

How much is a replacement flex plate? The flex plate or flywheel plate should cost somewhere in the region of $50-160, on average. Another thing to consider is that this is usually a difficult part to reach.

Do you have to remove transmission to replace Flexplate?

The flexplate can be removed without pulling the engine or trans IF you support the back of the transmission with either a jack 0or rear trans mount. Here’s how: Undo U bolts on the driveshaft U joint at the diff, and remove the driveshaft. Remove the starter.

What happens if I drive with a bad Flexplate?

A bad flex plate could potentially cause a loss of power to the wheels and result in an accident.

What is the common reason a Flexplate breaks?

Because perfect alignment of the engine and transmission are not possible, the flexplate can absorb the minute misalignment. As misalignment increases, the flexplate flexes more. This continual flexing eventually causes the metal to fatigue and the flexplate cracks.

How do I know if my Flexplate is bad?

And it’s going to make a grinding noise at startup. Because you see this green gear right here if this ringer teeth are completely worn.

What causes a flexplate to go bad?

As misalignment increases, the flexplate flexes more. This continual flexing eventually causes the metal to fatigue and the flexplate cracks. Misalignment should be less than . 008 of an inch and the less the better.

Can you drive without a flex plate?

Sure you can drive with a broken flexplate but is heavily dangerous. And the sound of the broken part is terrible if you have a broken flexplate or flywheel you have to go to your mechanic immediately and change the part.